Devenyns claims crash-ridden stage

Dries Devenyns (Quick Step) followed up his strong performance in the Giro d'Italia with a stage win in Austria after a rainy day over 138.9 kilometers from Wolfsberg to Judendorf-Straßengel. The young Belgian was part of a five-man breakaway that managed to stay clear of the field by nearly two minutes.

"I am really happy," said Devenyns. "This is the first victory of my career. We were three riders in the breakaway ahead of the group but in the last kilometres I attacked. I always dreamed to pass the finish line alone with the arms raised up, it’s the best way to win!

"I dedicate this victory to the team that always believes in me and to my teammate Kurt Hovelijnck who is now recovering well from the injury suffered," he continued, referring to his teammate who crashed in training at the start of the year and suffered head trauma.

The rain caused a bit of trauma for the riders in Austria today, with several nasty crashes plaguing the peloton. Three Italians were badly injured in falls and were taken to the hospital: Luca Barla (Milram), Manuel Belletti and best climber Leonardo Bertagnolli, (Diquigiovanni) all abandoned.

René Haselbacher (Vorarlberg-Corratec) and four riders from Gourmetfein also went down, but were able to continue the race.

Devenyns made his day safer by going up the road with Bram De Groot (Rabobank) and Maxim Belkov (ISD). The trio gaining up to two minutes before being joined by Jeremy Hunt (Cervelo TestTeam) and yesterday's stage winner Jan Barta (ARBÖ KTM Junkers Braunau) as the race hit the closing circuit.

Devenyns launched a well-timed attack to claim the stage victory 16 seconds ahead of Hunt and 22 seconds on Maxim Belkov (ISD Neri). Jan Barta (ARBÖ KTM Junkers Braunau) delivered another strong performance to take fourth.

Overall leader Michael Albasini (Columbia-HTC) remains locked in battle with Giampaolo Caruso for the GC, with the two separated by just 11 seconds. Quick Step's Kevin Seeldraeyers is in third at 59 seconds.